DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Newsletter Archive

Perhaps the greatest single innovation in the practice of law in this decade has been the utilization of computers and technology. Data published in the November, 1998, American Bar Association Journal enable us to compare our firm's use of computer technology against the technology usage by firms our size, as well as that of much larger firms.

We think it is significant that Faruki Gilliam & Ireland (with 20 full-time lawyers) compares very favorably against smaller firms, i.e., boutique firms of all types with 20 lawyers or fewer, as well as against much larger firms -- those with 80 lawyers or more.

For example, the survey revealed that 72.1% of firms with 20 lawyers or fewer and 50.7% of firms with 80 lawyers or more, had computers available to all the lawyers in their office. Since 1994, all of our firm's attorneys have had a computer in their office. Most of our firm's attorneys use their computers for legal research and editing. We have found that those computers enhance our lawyers' individual capabilities, expedite conflicts checks and, most importantly, facilitate direct communications with clients. With some clients, we are connected directly to their network; for others, the e-mail communication is via the Internet.

According to the published survey, 49.1% of firms of 20 or fewer lawyers provide travel computers, while a much larger percentage, 94% of lawyers in the larger firms, are provided with a travel computer. Each FG&I lawyer has a travel computer, which enables him or her to stay in touch with the office and clients while traveling. Indeed, many of our attorneys always travel with their computer, always taking it home in order to stay connected.

Somewhat surprisingly, 79.7% of the smaller firms and 98.7% of the larger firms have someone at the firm with full Internet access. We upgraded our software this year so that all FG&I attorneys have full Internet access. Like any business, we have found that the Internet can be used for a variety of productive activities. In our practice, the Internet is a valuable tool for obtaining information about opposing parties, opposing counsel, experts, judges and potential jury members. Use of the Internet has become fully integrated into our practice.

Technology is an integral part of today's successful law firm. We are pleased that our firm compares so favorably among smaller firms, as well as the larger firms, according to this ABA survey.